You were sitting on the couch, flipping through TV channels. You’d been ready for the date a while ago, but Everley was still in the bedroom doing her makeup. That was fine you knew it made her feel pretty, and seeing her happy was what mattered.

Before long, you started dozing off, the TV humming quietly in the background.

“Hey, wake up! I’m ready to go now,” She said, nudging you with a grin, like you’d never been waiting at all.

She rolled her eyes, but the small smile tugging at her lips made your chest warm.

“You look fine,” She teased, tilting her head and inspecting you like a general reviewing her soldier. “Not as good as me, obviously.”

You chuckled softly, scratching the back of your neck.

She grabbed your hand, tugging you toward the door. “Come on, we’re gonna be late if you keep daydreaming.”

You let her lead, happy to follow, soaking in the way she moved with confidence, energy, and just enough chaos to make your calm, laid-back world feel brighter.